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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • March 2, 2016

™

Right in Our Region

Meet a Dinosaur at the 18th PaleoFest

By Chris Linden, executive editor

R

ockford and its Burpee Museum of Natural History become Dino Central when the annual PaleoFest returns March 12-13. Throughout the weekend, Burpee hosts a variety of lectures, workshops and kid-friendly events that celebrate all things paleontology.

This year, PaleoFest’s main theme is “Women

in Paleontology.” Expect to see nearly 20 speakers – all women – highlight many contributions made by female paleontologists. Scott Williams, director of science and exhibits at Burpee, says this could actually be the first scientific symposium that exclusively features research from women paleontologists.

Continued on p. 22

Live a Better Quality of Life Reading & Using Smart Living Weekly Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun! Hot & Spicy Latte Recipes • Home Interior Ideas • Fun Local Events!

Dining at Bravo Pizza • Health Tips • Is Your Dog a Good Citizen?

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 22 PaleoFest Your Home .................................................. ..... 11 Home Interior Trends Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Taking Time to Pray Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Hot & Spicy Latte Recipes New You for 2016 ..............................................17 Spring Make-Up Tips Your Health ............................................. .......... 25 Free Screening for Varicose Veins Your Fun ................................................... ......... 27 Your Dining ................................................. ......28 Bravo Pizza

Your Pet .............................................. ...............29 Training Your Dog School Guide .............................................. ......33 Allegro Academy

Smart L iving Weekly ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Janine Pumilia Deputy Editor Sarah Soenke Assistant Editor Lindsey Gapen Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Ryan Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes General Manager/Northwest Business Magazine Dave Marino Account Executives Brian Hughes Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Website www.NWQSmartLiving.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2016 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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March 2

Hello March!

I

s it the beginning of spring or the end of winter? It seems to depend upon what day you ask. But the spring (vernal) equinox is March 20, which means the hours of daylight and darkness will be about equal then.

There was a time when we thought robin sightings were a sure sign of spring but we’ve been seeing them for many weeks now. Perhaps a surer sign is the cheery message my daughter Rebecca just texted me: “Only 32 more days until Dairy Häus opens!” Can you tell the Rockton ice cream parlor is important to our family?

Another sign of spring is when emails start arriving in my inbox heralding traditions like Botanica, Klehm Arboretum’s annual spring luncheon fundraiser. This year’s event is April 8 and the key note will be given

by Leslie Goddard, who will portray Rachel Carson, the scientist and author whose book Silent Spring helped to kickstart the environmental movement in the 1960s.

That movement has been on my mind a lot, lately, because we just finished our Cabin Fever issue of Northwest Quarterly, due back from the printer this week. In it, Jon McGinty looks at the many people who’ve worked to restore our Rock River to health in the decades since the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. It’s hardly pristine, but our river certainly has come a long way since the time before the federal Clean Water Act was passed.

Also in this issue, Sarah Soenke looks at thriving and struggling raptor populations in our area; many types of them, including the bald eagle, were nearly wiped out in the careless days before DDT was banned.

Our Cabin Fever issue brims with ideas for making the most of late winter and welcoming early spring. Home interior trends, garden planning and a special feature about young professionals are among the many articles you’ll find in NWQ. Whether it’s snowing or warm breezes are blowing, have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia Executive Editor

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Y H  G

Home Fashion: Easy With a Touch of Chic

By Janine Pumilia, managing editor

T

oday’s home fashion is all about easy living with distressed or weatheredlook furniture and flooring finishes that don’t need coddling. But there’s also a bit of luxury in the air, with a comeback of crystal chandeliers, plush button-back sofas and gold accents. Gray remains the neutral color of choice and is finding its way into flooring, cabinetry, textiles and furniture finishes that range from light driftwood to steely dark. Sometimes the gray is picked up in richly upholstered headboards.

“We’re seeing tweed and herringbone patterns in gray, for example,” says Colleen Carlson, of Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford. “And sometimes gray finishes are paired with more traditional wood finishes on the same dresser.”

High-maintenance finishes are out.

“The reclaimed/restored, weathered, ‘found object’ look is prevalent,”

says Carlson. “And yet you’ll see a room with distressed furniture topped off with a contrasting bit of glitz – a crystal chandelier, for example, or a gold wall ornament.

It’s almost shabby chic. It’s eclectic. We find a lot of interesting detail in today’s furniture, but it isn’t fussy.”

This button-back sofa is at Benson Stone Company.

In fabric designs, florals In the bedroom, upholstered headboards remain passé; ikat, geometric and circle “bring a softness to the bedroom, and a prints prevail, along with colorful Suzani bit of glamour,” says Carlson. “Some are patterns inspired by tribal embroidery combined with an industrial look frame; work found in Central Asia. others have pretty details like brass or Expect to see exaggeration as a nickel-toned studs.” theme in textile patterns. “You’ll see a The world of home interiors is an paisley swirl or some other shape very ever-changing and exciting one as both enlarged in scale,” explains Carlson. form and function evolve.

Elegant tufted button-back sofas and Browsing the showrooms of locally chairs are now sprinkled across showowned retailers is sure to spark ideas for room floors. Whether in buttery leather making your home as efficient and comor saturated jewel-tone fabrics, they say fortable as it is stylish and beautiful. ❚ “elegance” but also “comfort.”

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I  W

The Difference

E

ven those who love scripture and believe in the power of prayer sometimes find it challenging to make time for a rich and consistent prayer life.

Yet prayer is the engine of a Christian’s spiritual life, the linchpin of a relationship with God. When we fail to take time for prayer, it’s often because we’re in an “I can do it by myself!” mode of thinking, not unlike a stubborn 2-year-old. But life isn’t meant to be lived without a consistent prayerful relationship with God. The gospels are full of examples of Jesus taking time to pray, both in short and long sessions, sometimes with others, sometimes alone. “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed,” we read in Luke 5:16. Note the word “often.” He made his relationship with God top priority and taught followers to do likewise.

Jesus emphasized the importance of being persistent and bold in our requests to God. In Luke 11:9 we read, “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

But prayer isn’t only about asking for things. It’s also a time of expressing our thankfulness and praise to God. There’s an old poem, most often attributed to Grace L. Naessens, which beautifully sums up the matter:

The Difference

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task, “Why doesn’t God help me?” I wondered.

He answered, “You didn’t ask.”

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on gray and bleak; I wondered why God didn’t show me; He said, “But you didn’t seek.”

I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock; God gently and lovingly chided, “My child you didn’t knock.”

I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray. ❚ 12

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Y K

Get a Caffeinated Kick-Start with a Spicy Latte Spicy Latte A

mericans love their coffee. Millions of people drink at least one cup of coffee per day and many get their caffeine fix with a specialty coffee drink with milk.

Dairy milk is a great complement for any cup of coffee; it’s both a tasty addition and a way to add essential nutrients to your mug. Every type of dairy milk, whether lowfat, fat free or organic, contains nine essential nutrients, including high-quality protein. In fact, milk is the top food source for three of the four nutrients of concern, or the nutrients Americans, including children, are most lacking: calcium, potassium and vitamin D. If you enjoy a morning cup of coffee, here are a few ways to create gourmet coffee drinks at home: • Cafe au Lait – A cafe au lait is simply a strong-brewed coffee drink mixed with steamed milk. The best way to make one is to brew a dark-roast blend in a French press and mix with equal parts steamed milk.

There are a few easy ways to froth milk at home. Use an inexpensive milk frother or try this DIY tip: shake your favorite type of milk in a jar until it froths up. Remove the lid and microwave to desired temperature. Now you’ve got warm milk for your coffee and foam to top it off.

• Latte – This classic is two parts milk to one part espresso. The term is short for the Italian caffè latte, which means “milk coffee.”

• Cappuccino – The cappuccino’s name comes from the Italian word for “hood.” A cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foamed milk. A “dry” cappuccino has more foam while a “wet” cappuccino is closer to a latte in consistency.

Whether you prefer a cappuccino, latte or cafe au lait, adding milk to your coffee is a delicious, nutritious complement to your coffee beverage of choice.

From espresso to strong brewed coffee adding dairy milk only adds to the enjoyment.

Servings: 1 Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules • 2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder • 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional) • 1 1/2 tsp. sugar • Pinch of ground cinnamon • Pinch of ancho, chipotle or cayenne chile pepper • 1 cup fat free milk

Directions: In a serving mug, stir together espresso, cocoa, sugar, cinnamon and pepper. Stir in 2 tablespoons milk to make a paste.

In saucepan, heat remaining milk until very hot. Pour milk into mug and stir to blend with paste. Top with foamed milk,

if preferred. Serve immediately.

Nutrition information per serving: 120 calories; 0.5 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 9 g protein; 22 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 105 mg sodium; 309 mg calcium (30% of daily value). ❚ Source: Family Features

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A N Y  

Spring Make-Up Trends: Neutral, Matte Finishes B y To n i R o c h a

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bout this time of year, with winter slowly winding down, skin care becomes a vital focus. Cold, windy, dry air dulls and roughens skin.

And that’s where the hand-picked skin care lines at Arch Cosmetics can help to make a tremendous difference in the face you present to the world. Today’s make-up trends focus on natural, neutral colors and matte finishes, says Branca, owner and founder of Arch Cosmetics, a luxury beauty boutique at 6876 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

“The eyes are included in this trend, using muted colors,” she explains. “One standout change for spring, however, is the addition of light green shadow.

Another spring trend is highlighting the cheeks.”

Arch offers 30 top-quality brands in beauty care; it also has downtown Chicago and Madison locations.

“I opened my business as Arch Apothecary about four years ago in

Rockford,” says Branca. “Less than a year later, we opened our site in Chicago, adding [hair] blow-out services in addition to our cosmetic lines and signature brow waxing services. Our Madison store opened last year. And we changed the business name to Arch Cosmetics.”

Branca describes Arch as an eclectic mix of hard-to-find brands designed to help clients care for their skin, regardless of what challenges they experience.

“The Rockford location offers an express facial service that allows clients to experience our products before investing,” Branca says. “While we cater primarily to women, we welcome men and carry a line of men’s shaving products.”

Discovering the products that best treat each individual’s winter-dried, parched skin is Arch’s main concern.

Branca says trends for hydrating products are based on light, natural oils that provide the maximum level of care

without clogging pores and causing skin to break out.

“These oils are formulated from nature-based oils such as rose hips, vegetables and other wholesome sources,” Branca says. “They help facial skin to recover from the adverse effects of winter and bring it to its warm, natural glow. We recommend oil treatments on an everyday basis. Once the skin is adequately rehydrated and spring approaches, applications every other day help to maintain that beautiful look.” ❚

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R  O R

PaleoFest Continued from Cover

“It’s all women paleontologists leading the talks, and they’re from all different subfields in paleontology,” says Williams. “It’s a science that includes a mixture of biology and geology, so they’re going to talk about a variety of subjects, from dinosaurs and fossil mammals to fossils that are so small you’ve got to use a microscope to see them.”

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Each year, PaleoFest attracts nearly 2,000 visitors and some of the biggest names in the field. This year’s lineup includes researchers like Kristi Curry Rogers, a professor at Macalester College in Minnesota, who’s worked in South America, Zimbabwe and Madagascar. The latter location is the main focus of her PaleoFest lecture, when she’ll highlight some of her greatest finds.

Local experts include Dr. Karen Samonds, from Northern Illinois University, who’s planning a lecture on ancient manatees and lemurs.

Dr. Karen Chin, from University of Colorado Boulder, will talk about her research on “fossil poop.”

“That’s what she’s known for,” says Williams. “Fossilized poop – coprolites – can tell you a whole bunch about the biology of an extinct organism.”

March 2

Past guests have included Dr. Kirk Johnson, sant director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, in Washington, DC, Dr. Scott Sampson, the paleontologist on television’s “Dinosaur Train,” and Dr. Mary Schwitzer, a professor at North Carolina State University who discovered soft tissue preservation in dinosaur bones.

PaleoFest remains a family-friendly event, with creative workshops where kids can learn about dinosaurs from a

R  O R trained educator and then create a makeand-take craft project. “Paleo Passport” stations will be scattered around the museum, and kids who get their passport book stamped at every station can earn a special prize.

“When PaleoFest started in 1999, it was mostly amateur fossil collectors, but over the years it’s grown to include people from the general public, experts, students and kids,” says Williams. “We have some hardcore young people who have been coming out with their parents

for several years now. We have a family that’s been coming from Arizona for several years, and we have people from Minnesota, St. Louis, Indianapolis.”

Of course, the museum’s star dinosaur fossils will be on full display all weekend. Visitors can browse permanent exhibits on Homer, a “teenaged” Triceratops,” and Jane, the world’s most complete, best-preserved juvenile Homer the teenager Triceratops. Jane is pictured on the cover.

Tyrannosaurus rex.

“Those are dinosaurs that we found,” says dinosaurs gets kids excited to explore sciWilliams, who was part of the exploraence, that’s great, because we definitely tion team. “We excavated, did all the need more medical doctors, biologists, research and work, and then brought the experts in virology and genetics, and material back here. They’re always the physics or astrophysics,” says Williams. other stars for the weekend.”

“In many cases, an interest in paleontolWilliams hopes this year’s focus on ogy is a primer that gets them into those women inspires many a young scientist – other fields.” both girls and boys.

To discover more about PaleoFest, “If paleontology and an interest in visit burpee.org. ❚

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Advancements in Vein Treatment Offer Relief B y To n i R o c h a

I

n America, varicose veins affect 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men. Yet varicose veins have been taken for granted as part of the aging process. The truth is, anyone at any age can develop varicose veins, as a result of valve failure that can occur because of leakage, calcification or other causes.

For Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, a fascination with computerized, minimally invasive medical procedures, coupled with a family history of varicose veins, resulted in the founding of the Northern Illinois Vein Clinic, in the Renaissance Pavillion at 1340 Charles St., Ste. 404, Rockford.

Northern Illinois Vein Clinic will offer free vein disease screenings on Feb. 8 & 23. Schedule your screening appointment online at niveinclinic.com, or call (815) 315-9529.

Here, patients of all ages find state-ofthe-art help.

Gilvydis became interested in specialized treatments for varicose veins during his interventional radiology fellowship at Chicago’s Rush-PresbyterianSt. Luke’s Medical Center, now called Rush University Medical Center. His fellowship class was the first to be introduced to a new minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins.

“At that time, the treatment included only radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins,” he says. “Since I had a significant amount of varicose veins myself, I instantly became very interested in learning this new treatment.”

Today, he performs endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) surgery, the very latest minimally invasive treatment available.

Gilvydis began performing radiofrequency ablation treatments in SwedishAmerican Hospital’s cath lab.

Encouraged by the excellent outcomes and a growing patient referral base, he opened a dedicated outpatient vein clinic where he could concentrate on varicose vein treatment.

“I visited numerous other vein clinics that were run by very well-known physicians in the field,” he says. “I then took the positives from each of these clinics and developed what has turned out to be a very comprehensive and progressive vein clinic. Initially, the clinic was open just one day a week. That quickly expanded to five days a week, because of our successful outcomes.” ❚

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Women in Paleontology MARCH Satheve 11th - 13th ! e t a D 2016

Mary Anning was an early 19th centu century fossil hunter and paleontologist who became famous for finding important fossils that shaped our knowledge of earth history. She discovered the first Plesiosaurus, the first ichthyosaur specimens, and the first British pterosaur. Mary was a pioneer in the field of paleontology. paleontolog 26

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First Fridays in Downtown Rockford March 4, 5 p.m.-midnight. Each month, downtown art galleries, shops, music and theater venues work together to stay open late and provide new art, music and goods. Downtown Rockford, (779) 537-5319, facebook.com/ FirstFridaysRockford.

Irish Pub Night March 4, 6 p.m. cash bar, 7-10 p.m. dinner and entertainment. Partake in a lively evening of Irish-themed music, food and fun in support of Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center programming. Mendelssohn Hall, 406 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac. org.

Art Exhibition & Lecture March 4, 6-8:30 p.m. Mark Chatterley’s figurative sculptures are created from high-fired clay and represent many thoughts that span several years – from multi-dimensional universes to shapeshifting shamans. Rockford University, Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4105, rockford.edu/artslectures/artgallery/.

Movies on Main: “The Cat in the Hat” March 4, 7 p.m. Sally and Conrad are two bored kids whose lives are turned upside-down when a talking cat comes to visit them. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 987-6660.

The Element Film Series: “Pawn Sacrifice” March 4, 7:30 p.m., doors 7 p.m. The “Studio Indie & Classic Films with a Twist” series continues with “Pawn Sacrifice,” set during the Cold War and detailing the legendary matches between U.S. chess prodigy Bobby Fischer and Russian grandmaster Boris Spassky. Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, facebook.com/events/776608189111986/.

The Second City: Improv All Stars March 4, 8 p.m. Chicago’s legendary comedy theater presents an irresistible hour of improvised comedy. Ages 18 and older. The Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner St., Rockford, (815) 398-6322, uurockford.org/thesecond-city-in-rockford-il.html.

“1964”… The Tribute March 4, 8 p.m. This Beatles tribute show takes audiences on a journey through a quintessential moment in music history. Coronado Performing Arts Center (CPAC), 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 986-0595, coronadopac.org.

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Revel in music history at a Beatles tribute show March 4 at Coronado Performing Arts Center.

Frog Calling March 5, 9 a.m.-noon. Learn the unique calls of the 13 species of frogs and toads in our area.

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County (FPWC) Headquarters, 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, (815) 877-6100, winnebagoforest.org.

Sock Monkey Madness Festival March 5-6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Make a sock monkey, play safari-themed games, browse various vendors selling all-things-sock-monkey, see performances from Rockford Dance Company and go on a treasure hunt for a prize. Food and beverages available. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-2112, midwayvillage.com.

Gardening for Food & Fun 2016 March 5, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. This annual, one-day educational gardening event includes a keynote presentation from William Sullivan, head of the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Illinois; a breakout session; and a boxed lunch. Registration req. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 986-4357, web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw.

Rockford Laugh-A-Thon with Rickey Smiley March 5, 7 p.m. Comedy legend Rickey Smiley brings his sharp sense of humor and turns everyday observations into comedic gold. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 968-2722, coronadopac.org.

RCCA: Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra March 6, 3 p.m. The Philharmonic organizes concerts, recitals and chamber music soirees performed by the most prominent Polish musicians and world-famous artists. CPAC, Rockford, (815) 847-6314, rccaconcerts.org. ❚ Smart Living Weekly

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Restaurant of the Week

Authentic Italian Dining at Bravo Pizza W

ith more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Joe Ocello knows how to create an authentic Italian dining experience. Since opening the first Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant location in 2001 with wife Francesca, the couple has been refining classic Italian fare with all the comfort and flavors of a home-cooked meal.

“We work in quality, price and service – those are our three main ingredients,” says Ocello. “I’ve been in this business for 40 years, so we know how to maintain a consistency for our customers. There’s no price that pays for that.”

Bravo Pizza & Italian Restaurant has two locations – one in Poplar Grove, the other in South Beloit – and each provides a genuine escape for patrons. You’ll find large wooden tables, warm golden lighting

Top Picks for Local Restaurants Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant E Casual/Authentic Fresh Mexican. 107 W. Main St., Poplar Grove, Ill., (815) 765-1144.

LD M 11am-8pm; Tue-Th 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sun noon-8pm. $.

Big Papa’s BBQ E Casual. Exceptional dishes made with proprietary BBQ sauces. 8660 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park; (815) 877-7422. LD Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun. 8am-8pm. $-$$.

Bravo Pizza E Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Rd., South Beloit, (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $.

Cannova’s Italian Cuisine E Casual. 1101 W. Empire St., Freeport, (815) 233-0032. D T-Th, Sun 5-9pm; F-Sat 10pm. $-$$.

Ciao Bella Ristorante E Upscale-Casual/Italian-American.

Extensive wine list; daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside, Loves Park, (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11am-9pm, Sat 5-9pm, Sun 4-7:30pm.

Costa’s Ristorante E Upscale-Casual. 133 Blackhawk Dr., Byron, Ill., (815) 234-4707. Open daily 4pm. $-$$.

Dos Reales E Casual/Mexican. Authentic Mexican fare, lunch menu. 5855 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 227-4979. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 10:30pm. $-$$.

Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza E Casual/Italian. Pick-up/ delivery. 333 Executive Pkwy., Rockford, Ill. (815) 398-5700.

LD Sun-Th 9am-11pm; F-Sat to midnight. $.

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and murals of Italian scenery, inspired by Ocello’s Sicilian heritage. Diners can choose from a vast array of Italian classics, from pizza and calzones to pasta and sandwiches.

There are American classics, too, such as the Bravo Burger.

Most items are made from scratch in the Bravo kitchen, ensuring a home- Managers Richard Owens and Heather Intravaia with Joe Ocello. made meal with fresh ingredients. The Ital- they’re huge, too,” says Ocello. “'Bravo' in ian beef, served au jus or with tomato meat Italian means good, and I think we are very sauce, was named Best in the Stateline good. We have a menu we’ve been perfectby MyStateline.com in 2013. Top sellers ing for forever, so we know how to do it include Italian meatball sandwiches, fettuc- well.” cine Alfredo and fish specials.

Both locations offer a full-service bar, “We make it all ourselves. Each meat- catering, carry-out and delivery services. ball is about a quarter pound apiece, so Bravo Pizza is open daily at 11 a.m. ❚

In the Spotlight JMK Nippon Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar E UpscaleCasual. Food cooked tableside. 2551 N. Perryville, Rockford, (815) 877-0505. L T-F 11:30am-2pm, Sat 2:30pm; D M-Th 5-9:30pm, F-Sat 10:30pm, Sun 4:30-9:30pm. $$.

Main Street Bistro E Casual/Fine dining. Th&Sat. 109 S. Galena, Freeport, (815) 232-2322. M-Sat 2pm-midnight. $$.

Maciano’s Pizza & Pastaria E Casual. Beer/wine. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 963-7869. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat 11pm. $$.

Maxson Riverside Restaurant E Casual/American. 1469 IL Route 2, Oregon, Ill., (800) 468-4222. LD M-Sat 11am-8pm, Br Sun 10am-3pm. $$.

Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint E Fine Dining. Ironworks Hotel, 500 Pleasant St., Beloit, Wis. (608) 313-0700. D Sun.Th 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat. 10pm. $$.

Napoli Pizzeria III & Top Dollar Slots E Takeout/delivery.

6560 N. Alpine, Loves Park, (815) 877-9888. LD daily 11am.

Prairie Street Brewhouse E Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am-10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.

Tavern on Clark E Casual/American. 755 Clark Ave., Rockford, (815) 708-7088. LD daily 10am. $-$$.

This Is It Eatery E Casual/American. 16 N. Chicago Ave., Freeport, (815) 616-5449. LD T-Th 11am-8pm, F-Sat 10pm. $. ❚

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Cannova’s

annova’s has been serving up authentic Italian dishes and pizza since Anthony and Philippina Cannova started the restaurant 1921.

Today, their granddaughter, Linda, and her husband, Patrick Beckman, carry on the tradition, at 1101 W. Empire St. They use many original recipes for pizza, spaghetti sauce, Italian beef, fresh bread and pizza dough.

House specials include a Sicilian filet, marinated in olive oil and red wine; Italian-style baked cod; and seafood Alfredo. Linda’s made-from-scratch desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake and chocolate spoon cake.

Then there are the award-winning pizzas: the Classic; the New York; the double-crusted Gloria Read, named for a longtime customer; and the Sicilian.

Cannova’s is open Sun.-Tues. 5-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. until 11 p.m. ❚

(Blake Nunes photo)

By Sarah Soenke, deputy editor

Y P

Teach Your Dog to Be a Good Citizen

By Peggy Werner

J

ust like people, puppies need training and guidance to grow into happy and healthy adults.

And then they need to learn to live together.

When a dog becomes a part of the family, a lot of what comes naturally to an animal needs to be changed – and owners need to be educated about the special needs of their pets and how to best meet those needs.

A well-trained dog and a wellinformed owner will lead to a much happier, pleasant and fulfilling relationship for both involved , says Dave Schnidt, owner of Dave’s Doggie Den, 107 St. Louis Ave., Rockford, where dogs can be groomed, trained and attend daycare.

“Regardless of their size, aggressiveness and personality, all dogs need some training, even if just for the purpose of getting used to socializing with people

and other dogs,” he says.

And the important thing is to start them right away, when they are about eight weeks old, with a 12-week obedience training class to learn the basic commands of sit, stay, stand, down, come and heal. More aggressive dogs need more training, sometimes up to an additional year, he says.

“A lot of people wait too long to enroll a dog in obedience school. At six months, a dog should be socialized, which means he or she is not afraid of going to new places and meeting new people,” he says.

The longer a person waits to train a dog, the more bad habits that develop and have to be broken, he adds.

Once you have a puppy, it’s impor-

tant to take the pet around to difference places and situations so it can get accustomed to being in different environments and learning what is expected.

Schnidt will train dogs one-on-one, but prefers that owners and pets participate in a class, which helps with socialization skills. ❚

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R E C

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1.815.282.2222

Mortgage Advisor 15 Yr Fixed

Lenders Byron Bank

Rate

byronbank.com

APR*

(815) 234-2561 Mo. Payment*

30 Yr Fixed

30 Yr Jumbo FHA/VA & ARM

2.790%

3.550%

3.375%

$969.75

$643.87

$641.01

3.168%

4.081%

4.421%

Please Call

Smart Living Weekly Magazine’s Mortgage Advisor is intended to provide you with a guide to securing the mortgage you seek. Quoted rates are supplied by the institutions (as of Feb. 29, 2016) and can change daily. Interest rates and monthly payment installments are based on a $150,000 loan with a 5% down payment and 0 points; FHA with a 3.5% down payment and 0 points. APR is based on a good faith estimate of prepaid finance charges. Your APR will vary according to the specifics of your transactions. Contact the bank, credit union or S&L directly for their most current rates. The mortgage rate you obtain will be based upon your credit rating, loan amount and standing with that particular financial institution. * APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Mo. Payment = The monthly principal and interest payment.

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e-Subscribe to Smart Living Weekly Now! You Will Be Automatically Entered into This Week’s Giveaway!

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Enter This Week’s Giveaway, and Receive Smart Living Every Week For FREE! E-Subscribers: Click Here Now to Enter This Week’s Giveaway.

This Week’s Giveaway Winner To Be Announced March 9 on the 13 WREX Morning Show $50 Gift Card Bravo Pizza

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F  E

A Visit To Allegro Academy and Learning Center

T

his non-denominational Christian school and childcare center at 6413 Forest Hills Road has been providing educational service to the Rockford area for more than 30 years.

Allegro Academy offers a PreK through 8th grade curriculum that’s recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, while Allegro Learning Center, a DCFS-licensed daycare facility, offers daycare to children ages 6 months to 6 years, including before- and after-school programs, summer programs and care on school holidays.

“Our summer program is awesome,” says Jean Marie McCormack, principal.

“We help children to keep up their reading and writing skills throughout summer, but also take two field trips per week, one of them to a swimming pool.”

The Allegro environment is just the right size to make sure every child gets ample attention.

“Allegro is locally owned and has

more of a family feel than a big corporate feel,” says McCormack. “We know all of the children here. If there’s an issue, there’s someone on the property who really knows and cares about that child.”

In fact, many of the teachers choose to enroll their own children here. “That’s how confident they are of the quality of care and education children receive.”

In its school curriculum, Allegro Academy offers a strong core along with an emphasis on the arts.

“What sets us apart is the way we’ve integrated fine arts instruction for all students,” says McCormack. “Movement and music, art, and Bible curriculum is taught throughout the week, starting in preschool. We tailor the educational experience to the child, to accommodate individual learning styles.”

Allegro offers a unique combination of progressive and advanced academics and fine arts. Programs include visual arts, music, accelerated/gifted programs,

athletics, after-school programs, clubs and extracurricular activities. Facilities include a science lab, gymnasium, dance studio and music room.

“We’re passionate about children progressing according to their abilities and not merely age,” says McCormack.

“Each child is assessed and allowed to run on his or her strengths in language arts and mathematics.”

A Christian perspective is part of the academic program, including daily prayer, Friday chapel and Bible curriculum taught four days of the week. ❚

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Issue 1